Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a 3D-printed drill sleeve (DS) on the precision and duration of coronectomy sections.
Materials and methods: Thirty-six trainees and oral surgeons performed 72 coronectomy cuts in a 3D-printed, entirely symmetric mandible model. Coronectomy was performed freehand (FH) on one side and with a DS on the other side. The occurrence of "too superficial" (≥ 4 mm unprepared lingual tooth tissue) and "too deep" (drilling ≥ 1 mm deeper as tooth contour) cuts and sectioning times were registered.
Results: In 7 cases, the sections were "too deep" with FH, while none with DS (OR: 18.56; 95%CI: 1.02-338.5; p = 0.048). The deviation between virtually planned and real cut depths was significantly greater in the FH group (1.91 ± 1.62 mm) than in DS group (1.21 ± 0.72 mm) (p < 0.001). A total of 18 "too superficial" buccolingual sections occurred with FH, while 8 cases with DS (OR: 3.50; 95%CI: 1.26-9.72; p = 0.016). Suboptimal sections did not correlate with experience (p = 0.983; p = 0.697). Shortest, suboptimal drillings were most frequently seen distolingually (OR: 6.76; 95% CI: 1.57-29.07; p = 0.01). In the inexperienced group, sectioning time was significantly longer with FH (158.95 ± 125.61 s vs. 106.92 ± 100.79 s; p = 0.038).
Conclusions: The DS effectively reduced tooth sectioning times by less experienced colleagues. Independently from the level of experience, the use of DS obviated the need for any preparation outside the lingual tooth contour and significantly decreased the occurrence of "too superficial" cuts, leaving thinner unprepared residual tooth tissue lingually.
Clinical relevance: Coronectomy sections may result in lingual hard and soft tissue injury with the possibility of damaging the lingual nerve. The precision of the buccolingual depth-control can be improved, while surgical time can be reduced when applying a drilling sleeve.
Keywords: 3D-printing; Coronectomy; Drill sleeve; Lingual nerve damage; Third molar.
© 2023. The Author(s).